Flights to Beirut

The Lebanese capital is a unique holiday destination and, once you’ve been, you can’t help but sing its praises. From the restaurants, rooftop lounges, luxury hotels and shisha cafes, to the mosques and monuments, it promises to be a memorable trip from the moment your flight to Beirut lands.

There’s no denying Lebanon’s turbulent past has left its mark, but Beirut’s famously hospitable residents don’t focus on that; they acknowledge their history, but look to the future. What you get as a result is an utterly modern city centre, from the European-style boutiques, cafes and courtyards of Place de l’Etoile to the hip venues of Gemmayze. And never far away are the carefully preserved historic sites, such as the Place Des Martyrs (Martyrs' Square) and the St George Maronite Cathedral. If you have enough time for a day trip from Beirut, you can visit other interesting historic sites, including the ancient city of Byblos.

There are also plenty of opportunities to get outdoorsy. Beirut is famous for being one of the few places where (depending on the season) you can ski in the mountains in the morning and be sunning yourself on the coast by the afternoon. The ski season runs from mid-December to early April. March is the best month to go, when the snowfall is more consistent.

The après-ski culture is rather different to Europe’s though – no one lingers in a lodge on the slopes drinking hot chocolate. Generally, once you’re done skiing, you head back to your home (or hotel) to relax and get ready for the evening. Beirut’s reputation as the nightlife capital of the Middle East is well deserved – you might find that you don’t see much of your hotel at all.

What to do in Beirut

Visit the National Museum of Beirut

The National Museum of Beirut is a peaceful place to while away a few hours. There are some incredible finds to enjoy, including a limestone sarcophagus dating back to the 11th century BC. You can also learn how the staff have protected the precious artefacts over the years.

Corner of Museum Street
Damascus Street and Abdallah El Yafi Avenue

+961 1 426 703

Party in Gemmayze

For the best of Beirut’s nightlife, skip the glitzy clubs and explore this fun neighbourhood instead. It seems like every time you turn a corner, you find a street with ever-cooler nightlife venues, plus a host of quirky lounges and dining spots to keep your energy levels up.

Rue Gouraud
Gemmayze
Achrafieh

Ski in Mzaar

Skiing might not be the first outdoor pursuit you think of in the Middle East, but the pistes in Mzaar are not to be underestimated. If you fancy hitting the slopes, check out the InterContinental Mzaar resort, the most popular in Beirut. Mzaar has around 80km of runs for seasoned skiers and beginners.

Kfardebiane
Ouyoun El Simane
Mzaar
0000
+961 9 340 100

Where to eat in Beirut

Jai (South-east Asian)

This popular restaurant is rather cosy, with just a handful of tables, but despite its small size, it packs a big punch. Located in a quiet area of Hamra, the sizzling hot dishes are delicious. Expect all the classic south-east Asian dishes, from fried noodles to curries. Jai delivers and offers take-out too.

Myrtom House Building
Mexico Road
Kantari
+961 1 341 940

St. Elmo’s (American)

You can find something a little different if you head to St. Elmo’s, a restaurant in the popular Zaitunay Bay area. They serve amazingly fresh New England fare including clam chowder, lobster rolls and traditional fish and chips, with great views of Beirut Marina.

R2
Zaitunay Bay
Beirut Marina
+961 1 367 356

Souk El Tayeb (Farmers’ Market)

This farmers’ market and cafe is a great place to pick up some fresh produce and hang out with the locals. Try some of the best Lebanese cuisine in the city at Tawlet, where, each day, a different chef from a different part of the country cooks lunch.

Naher Street 12
Chaloub Building 22
Downtown Beirut
+961 1 442 664

Places to stay in Beirut

Saifi Urban Gardens

For a budget stay in Beirut, look no further than this cheap and cheerful hostel. There are private rooms, suites and dorms, and your stay includes free breakfast and Wi-Fi. There’s a hip rooftop lounge where you can mingle with fellow travellers, and it’s a great location for exploring nightlife hub Gemmayze.

Pasteur Street
Gemmayze
+961 1 562 509

Monroe Hotel

A perfect budget hotel for young travellers, this is a popular spot with the city’s fun-loving crowd. It’s named after Marilyn Monroe, and the matching vibe is one of California glam meets 1960s pop art. When you book, ask for a room with a view of the Beirut Marina.

Kennedy Street
Solidere
+961 1 371 122

Le Gray

Located within walking distance of the Place des Martyrs (Martyrs’ Square), Mohammed Al Amin Mosque and Gemmayze, Le Gray is a great base for sightseeing. The restaurants and lounges are top notch and the service is impeccable. Best of all, there’s a rooftop infinity pool where you can soak up the sun, along with tremendous views of the city.

Plan your trip

Rent a car

Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, enjoy taking things at your own pace by hiring a car on emirates.com. Add car hire to an existing flight by visiting Manage your booking, or even book a hire car without booking a flight at all.

Currently our destinations can only be searched in English. Please enter the first three letters of the destination to begin your search.

Pickup location

All locations

No results found

Start typing to see the airport list

Currently our destinations can only be searched in English. Please enter the first three letters of the destination to begin your search.

Drop-off location

All locations

No results found

Start typing to see the airport list

Pickup

Pickup time

Select hour

:

Select minutes

Drop-off

Drop-off time

Select hour

:

Select minutes

The minimum age for a driver is 21. Please check the terms and conditions of your car hire for extra charges for drivers under the age of 30.

Book a hotel

Make every stay more rewarding. Book or reserve your hotel with us and earn 1 Skywards Mile for every euro spent on all bookings, inclusive of taxes.

Articles from Open Skies

Historic warmth at Le Gray

Beirut’s Golden Icon

The first thing you notice as you enter the Phoenicia is the staircase. Wide and elegant, it is a grand statement of intent.Read more Beirut’s Golden Icon

Most popular destinations from Beirut (BEY)

Emirates offers flights to Beirut (BEY) and 137 other destinations. Below you’ll find a selection of our flight destinations to spark your interest. Get inspired and plan and book your next flight or holiday. With Emirates you’ll experience the most comfortable flight across our cabin classes. And we continually get the best reviews for onboard service. Whether you fly Economy Class, Business Class or First Class, fly with us for a great way to travel.